A24 and Picturehouse release ‘A Ghost Story’ in UK
A24 Films partnered with Picturehouse Entertainment on the theatrical release of David Lowery’s A Ghost Story in the UK. The announcement marked an early step in A24’s expanding international footprint and gave British audiences a first look at a film already generating strong festival buzz.
Picturehouse is a frequent collaborator of A24’s, having previously helped release Swiss Army Man, starring Paul Dano (Ruby Sparks) and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) in the US. Their track record together helped smooth the path for A Ghost Story’s British rollout.
A Ghost Story follows a white-sheeted ghost who returns to his suburban home to console his bereft wife, only to find himself unstuck in time. Forced to watch passively as the life he knew slips away, the ghost embarks on a cosmic journey through memory and history, confronting life’s ineffable questions and the enormity of existence.
“We are extremely excited to be getting directly involved in UK distribution. The UK is a vibrant and sophisticated market for cinema, and our films have consistently resonated with audiences there”, said a statement issued by A24.
The Sundance favorite, written and directed by Lowery (Pete’s Dragon, Ain’t Them Bodies Saints), is billed as an “unforgettable meditation on love and grief” that “lingers long after the credits roll”.
“This is the kind of unique movie I love to champion”, commented Clare Binns, Picturehouse deputy managing director, later adding, “I can't wait to bring it to the widest audience possible in the UK.”
The film, recently announced as the closing feature at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival: London, stars Academy Award-winner Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea) and two-time Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara (Carol, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo).
Release Schedule
A Ghost Story received its world premiere at Sundance on January 22, 2017. It opened theatrically in the United States on July 7, 2017, and reached UK cinemas on August 11, 2017. The film remains available for streaming and rental on multiple platforms.
Sundance Context
After its January world premiere, the film closed the 2017 Sundance Film Festival: London. The slot highlighted A24’s growing festival presence and signaled strong critical interest ahead of the wider release.
Box Office and Commercial Performance
Worldwide gross reached approximately $1.95 million against an estimated budget of $100,000. Domestic earnings accounted for $1.6 million of that total. The modest numbers reflect the film’s intimate scale and limited theatrical footprint, yet they also underscore its profitability within the indie sector.
Critical Reception and Awards
The film holds a 91 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. It collected three awards at the 2017 Deauville American Film Festival and additional honors at Sitges and Fantasia. Reviewers praised the restrained performances and the film’s measured approach to grief and memory.
Legacy and Continued Relevance
Recent Picturehouse screenings have kept the title alive in the UK. It featured in A24’s ten-year retrospective programming, and director David Lowery described the production as a labor of love in a 2025 interview. The film continues to surface in conversations about A24’s early catalog and its distinctive tonal range.
Where to Watch Today
Viewers can stream A Ghost Story on Netflix in select regions. It is also available to rent or purchase on major digital platforms, according to listings on the A24 site and IMDb. Physical media editions remain in circulation through specialty retailers.
The partnership between A24 and Picturehouse established a template for future UK releases. A Ghost Story’s measured pace and quiet intensity still resonate with audiences who return to it years later, drawn by its understated handling of loss and time.
